Merrist Wood College
Growing The Future of UK Arboriculture
- Shaping Arboriculture
- The Team
- Transforming Education
- Arboriculture Courses
- T Level Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance
- Industry Links
- Apprenticeships
How Merrist Wood College Has Been Shaping Arboriculture Careers For More Than Half A Century
Merrist Wood College proudly celebrates 56 years as a leader of Arboriculture education within the Surrey area, delivering outstanding training to aspiring and current arborists. Learners come from near and far to the campus based in Worplesdon, Guildford, to gain expert education and guidance from the college’s tutors, all of whom are experienced industry professionals.
Located on a 400-acre rural estate with woodlands, specimen trees, and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, Merrist Wood College has been the heart of Arboriculture education since 1968 when it became the venue for the annual conferences of the Arboriculture Association who supported the launch the same year of the Ten Week Tree Surgery course (now an eight week course) as well as other full-time specialist Arboriculture programmes.
Fast forward by over half a century, and the college’s courses are still run by professional staff who are passionate about their subject area and have strong links with well known organisations such as Honey Brothers Ltd and Arbortec.
All the full time Arboriculture courses delivered at the college combine practical and theoretical principles in the science, management, ecology and planning of woodland care whilst students experience valuable practical work on the college’s estate with access to specialist machinery and industry standard equipment.
Meet the Arboriculture Team at Merrist Wood College
Merrist Wood College are proud to have an experienced and dedicated team shaping the next generation of arborists. With decades of expertise and a commitment to delivering industry-relevant training, the team ensures learners finish their courses ready to meet the challenges of modern Arboriculture.
At the helm is Richard Cant, whose leadership ensures all programmes meet the evolving demands of the Arboriculture industry. Under his guidance, the team combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for nurturing talent.
Andy Pinder, with over 30 years of industry experience, provides unparalleled insights into Arboriculture, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation.
Vocational Trainers Jessica Herbert and Jack Foster bring energy, hands-on expertise, and years of field experience. Working closely with learners in practical settings, they instil technical skills and confidence to handle real-world challenges.
The teaching team includes Lewis Hanson and James Quinn, both proud alumni of Merrist Wood. James also serves as the crucial link between apprentices, employers, and the college, offering tailored support to ensure apprentices excel in their roles.
Sarah Markham, Business Engagement Specialist, builds strong partnerships with local and national employers. From recruitment to apprenticeship support, Sarah helps businesses create talent pipelines and access well-trained arborists ready to make an impact.
Transforming Education: The College's Landmark Build to Enhance Facilities
In 2026, the college will unveil the largest new-build project in its history, featuring state-of-the-art learning spaces and workshops. Thanks to funding from Department for Education (DfE), the build will modernise and transform the college's facilities as part of its initiative to upgrade educational infrastructure across the UK, ensuring students benefit from state-of-the-art teaching and learning environments.
Comprehensive Arboriculture Courses offered at Merrist Wood College
As an NPTC assessment centre, the college provides in-house trainers and assessors for nationally recognised qualifications, ensuring learners receive the highest standard of training and programmes cater to a wide range of learners:
- Short Courses leading to NPTC assessments – Suitable for beginners or experienced professionals needing refresher training.
- Arborist Standard Apprenticeship Level 2 – An 18-month, hands-on training programme preparing learners for roles such as groundsperson and climbers.
- **New for September 2025**
T Level Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance - Ideal for young learners (16-19+) seeking full-time education in Arboriculture. This is a two-year programme that combines classroom lessons, practical instruction, and significant work placements with employers.
- Level 4 Arboriculture Courses – Award, Certificate and Diploma – For adult learners ready to advance their careers.
- Tree Surgery for Craftsmen – An intensive eight-week theory and practical course for adult learners.
Building Strong Industry Links
Our close ties with leading industry brands such as Arbortec, Honey Brothers, Makita, Oregon, Sorbus International, FSI Stump Cutters UK and Stihl, allow learners to train with the best tools and technology. Regular events, guest speakers, and hands-on demonstrations provide learners with invaluable insights and experiences.
Our employer partners also benefit, from gaining access to learners familiar and experienced with a range of equipment and well-prepared to contribute from day one of their employment.
Apprenticeships Tailored to Employers Needs
For over five decades, Merrist Wood College has been at the forefront of Arboriculture training, producing generations of highly skilled professionals and building strong industry connections.
Merrist Wood’s apprenticeship programmes are still transforming the future of Arboriculture businesses. Designed to produce competent arborists within 18 months, apprenticeships include key qualifications such as:
- Safe use of a manually fed wood-chipper
- Chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting
- Felling small trees up to 380mm
- Tree climbing and aerial rescue operations
- Using a chainsaw from a rope and harness
- Signing, lighting and guarding O1 (Traffic Management)
- Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry
The Arb team at Merrist Wood supports employers at every stage, from recruitment to training, ensuring apprentices develop workplace-relevant skills.
If you’d like to find out more about growing your business with Merrist Wood College, contact Sarah Markham at sarah.markham@activatelearning.ac.uk
Testimonial For Merrist Wood College.
Branches of Opportunity: An Arborist Apprentice’s Story
At just 21 years old, Tom Whitmee has already made impressive strides in his career as an Arborist Apprentice. Through dedication, hands-on learning, and the strong support of both Merrist Wood College and his employer, Beechwood Tree Care Ltd, Tom is setting a strong foundation for a long and successful career in Arboriculture.
For Tom, an apprenticeship in Arboriculture was the perfect combination of cost-efficient career development and practical experience. “It’s a great way to earn while you learn, get the qualifications you need, and gain real on-the-job experience.”
From Farming to Arboriculture
Before joining Beechwood Tree Care in January 2023, Tom spent three years working as a farm foreman. His love for outdoor work and desire for a varied role in a team environment naturally drew him to Arboriculture. “I’ve always wanted to work outside,” Tom explains.
Since starting his apprenticeship at Merrist Wood College in September 2023, Tom has benefitted from the college’s blend of practical and theoretical training. He particularly values the week-long practical training sessions. “Off-the-job learning helps me build my competency without the pressure of workplace timeframes,” he says.
Modules such as tree pruning and the nationally recognised NPTC qualifications have been particularly impactful. “The pruning modules tie into my work, and the NPTC qualifications have helped me with critical skills like site safety and tree felling.”
Skills That Make a Difference
Tom has developed a deep appreciation for tree identification, a skill he didn’t have before starting the apprenticeship. “It really helps on the job and gives me confidence in what I do.”
Tom’s growing expertise is already making a difference. His contributions to morning risk assessments ensure his team works safely and professionally. “I’ve become more informed and thorough, maintaining high standards on the job.”
He’s also taken on greater responsibilities, from leading other apprentices to being trusted with solo tasks. “I’m at a level now where I can be left to work independently, and I’ve even started running jobs for the team,” he shares proudly.
First Class Training and Support
Merrist Wood College has played a pivotal role in Tom’s success, providing high quality equipment and a supportive learning environment. “The practical kit is fantastic- better than what I use at work sometimes!”
Tom also appreciates the accessibility of his tutors, James and Lewis, who provide one-on-one support whenever needed. “Even outside of work, they’re always there to help.”
Returning to education after three years on the farm was an adjustment for Tom, particularly when it came to improving his computer skills. With the help of his tutor, James, he overcame this hurdle and grew more confident in his academic abilities.
Enriched Learning Through Special Projects
Special projects and events that have further enriched Tom’s learning experience, include:
- Student climbing competitions sponsored by Arbortec
- Hands-on demo days with Makita and Stihl
- Supporting local charity, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, by chipping Christmas trees using the college’s Först TR6 chipper, helping to raise £16,000 for vital funds supporting facilities to aid children with life limiting illnesses.
Employer Support That Drives Success
Tom attributes much of his progress to the unwavering support from his employer, Beechwood Tree Care Ltd. “From day one, I was mentored by experienced team members who taught me everything I needed to know. My manager, Neil Wilson, ensures work is planned around college and gives regular progress reviews to keep me on track.”
Neil Wilson, Managing Director of Beechwood Tree Care, highlights the value of apprenticeships:
"At Beechwood Tree Care, we view apprenticeships as a valuable way to discover and shape new talent. We've been supporting apprentices for over a decade and take pride in helping budding arborists kickstart their careers in the Arboriculture industry."
Future Aspirations
Tom is eager to continue climbing the career ladder, with ambitions of becoming a foreman and, eventually, a contract manager. “I know there’s work to be done to progress, but this apprenticeship has given me a clear career path and the tools to achieve my goals.”
His advice to aspiring apprentices? “You’ve got to really enjoy this industry—it’s tough but rewarding. An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, but the early starts and hard days mean you’ve got to have a passion for it.”
A Growing Legacy
Tom’s story highlights the critical role apprenticeships play in sustaining the Arboriculture industry. As he notes, “It keeps the industry alive and pushes everyone to step up.”
With the support of Merrist Wood College and employers like Beechwood Tree Care, apprentices like Tom are not only building their own futures but also ensuring the growth and vitality of Arboriculture in the UK.
Contact Sarah Markham at sarah.markham@activatelearning.ac.uk today to explore how employing a Merrist Wood College apprentice can help to transform your business.